From Rome the 26. of March 1632.

HEre in this Citie of late was very great disquiet and discontent , by reason that the Cardinal Borgia in the behalfe of his Imperiall Majestie , and the King of Spaine , was very earnest with the Pope , that he would bee pleased to furnish them with monies , and yeeld them all possible assistance in these dangerous , and troublesome times . Which the Pope refused to doe : and because of the Cardinals too too great importunitie , commanded him to forsake the Citie , and not abide there any longer . True it was said he , he knew some good way and meanes to make a setled peace , but to furnish monies he could not .

In Italie many Princes doe endevour both by their purse and otherwise to assist the Emperor as much as in them lies . But those of Savoy , Mantua , and Venice will not bee seene in this businesse .

From Vienna the 4. of Aprill .

The Duke of Freedland at the earnest desire of his Imperiall Majestie , hath proffered himselfe to be Generall one moneth longer . It is reported , he hath commanded 30000. men to march toward Generall Tilly , As likewise 8000. men march from the Countrie of Saltsburgh , who are commanded to Ingolstad .

There is againe of late great difference risen with Ragotzi , and the report is , that he hath besieged Gaskon . It seemes because the Governour of that Citie had the former yeare some intelligence with the Palatine of Hungaria ; the said Palatine of a certaine hath written to the Emperor , and certified him that Ragotzi with many thousands of Souldiers will fall into Hungarie .

From Prague the 6. of Aprill .

We are now assured and doe perceiue that the Imperialists doe from all parts draw their forces together , doubtlesse they haue a great ayme at this Citie , or at some of the Electorall Countries .

A few dayes agoe it was published by sound of the drumme in all the three Cities of Prague , that no Catholickes upon any alarum shall dare to shew themselues upon the streetes , or in their windowes upon paine of extreame punishment . But the Evangellicall , and Protestants who doe heartily wish well to our cause , are contrariwise commanded to be in Armes , and to appeare upon the Horse-market , in or at the small side-ring . By all likelihood and appearance we may daily expect the enemie here , for hee often shewes himselfe very strong . Divers of late haue beene imprisoned , because letters were found about them , whereby it did appeare that they had held some correspondencie with the enemie .

An Extract of a letter from Ausburgh the 7. of Aprill .

The disarming of the Protestant and Evangelicall Citizens was yesterday put in execution . The same time many wounded and fugitiue Souldiers came from Donawert , hither , the Countrey people likewise in all parts flie , and many come for shelter hither . But alas here is but small safetie . Fot the Swedish Forces of many Horse are already arrived in this place . His Majestie himselfe with the foot-forces follow neere at hand with the Ordnance , &c. And without any question they ayme at this Citie , which causeth all the chiefe Citizens especially those that are Romane Catholickes , to flie and depart from hence . Many great Lords hereabouts haue forsaken their Lord-shipps and inheritance , and are fled into . Tyroll . Also two Companies more of Bavarian Forces were sent into this Citie , but we can easily perceiue that they haue no courage to fight .

From Ratisbone the 10. Ditto .

Here passe many Forces by toward Ingolstadt to Generall Tillye , who hath an Armie of 30000. men , The Commaunder Gallas also is marched toward him with 1500. Horse . The Duke of Bavaria as Generall of all the Circles , hath required us to receiue some of his Forces into this Citie , but it was refused . He would very faine be Master of this Bridge , which he shall not obtaine , for we doe very strongly guard the same with our Souldiers . The afore-said Duke causeth all Bridges to be taken and throwne downe .

Vpon Munday last here passed by many thousands of Souldiers , but altogether unable and unfit for service .

On the other side of the Donaw are also many Forces passed to Ingolstadt , most of them came out of Bohemia , more follow them . These in their march did pillage all houses and places of any worth or note .

The Chauncellor of Bavaria is come from Ambergh into this Citie with the Bishop of Bambergh , with many Abbots Priests , and Spirituall persons . Count Wolffe of Mansfield is in all speed passed through this Citie to Vienna .

From Norimberg the 7. of Aprill .

You haue formerly heard at large of the taking of the Citie Donawert by his Majestie of Sweden , and the manner of that expedition ; wherfore I wil not any further trouble you with that relation . Since that time , it hath pleased Almighty God in like manner prosperously to blesse the said King . Hee hath taken Dillingen , Lawingen , and divers others places . The Imperialists forsooke also divers places , and brought the keyes of their Cities to his Majestie . Now he is marching towards Ausburgh and Munchen . Whence the Elector of Bavaria is fled with all the Clergie , and at this present is with the Generall Tilly , who lies with his Armie about and at Ingolstadt & Newburg neere the Donaw . The said Duke of Bavaria hath sent divers Embassadors to his Majestie of Sweden , but none of them could obtaine any audience .

His Majestie hath speedily commanded the Generall Horne with 2000. horse , and some thousands of foot-●orces into Lower Bavaria . Almost all the Cities , yea Munchen it selfe are resolved to agree with his Majestie upon the best termes they can conclude upon . We doe daily see thousands of spirituall persons flie from all parts , and many of the Bavarian Army also daily take their heeles and away .

From Donawerdt , the 13 Ditto .

The fiue Swedish Regiments which passed through here to Nieuburgh , are returned backe , not having dispatched what they went about , because 500. Bavarian souldiers were brought into that City . In the meane time they and others haue sought their advantage else where , and with Collonell Sperrutter haue taken Lichtenau and Papenheym , and haue blocked vp Wiltzburgh . His Maiestie of Sweden hath layd a Bridge over the Donaw neare vnto this City , the better to convay the Ordnance and all other necessaries ouer the River . The Generall Tilly hath commanded 8. Regiments to Munchen . Our souldiers doe dayly ride forth vpon some exploit or other , and no longer since then yesterday , they brought in hither two Ensignes , and many prisoners . The Commaunder Snedewyn is placed Gouernour in this City with 8000. men .

From Augsburgh the 14. Ditto .

Wee doe here vnderstand , that both Armies of the King of Sweden and Tilly , are within three or foure miles from each other , not farre from this place , neare vnto the Riuer Lech . The Generall with the Commander Altringer was yesterday here within this Citie , and tooke order for all things , caused also some workes to be made . They haue commanded the Commander Breda to encrease this Garrison with 600. horse and 400. foot . But I cannot see how this Citie shall long hold out , and be free from the King of Sweden , who doubtles will very shortly be master not only of this City , but many other .

Out of Saxonie , the 6. of Aprill .

Whereas there is advertisement giuen to our Prince Elector , that the Imperialists doe dayly prepare themselues to assault both himselfe , and the Marquis of Brandenburgh , with two seuerall Armies , His Highnesse hath commanded all soldiers in these Countries to be mustered and in readines at the found of the Drum , also giuen them pay to encourage them , hath also augmented and reinforced the Regiments of foote with 3000. men . The two new Regiments of horse , vnder the Commander Kaleksteyn and Vizedum , are also compleat , and haue taken the oath of fidelity to our Prince Elector , which Duke of Saxony hath now at this present a compleat Army readie , consisting of 9000. horse , and 28000. foote , besides the troupes defensiue , which now he takes along with him into the field .

A Coppy of a Letter written from the Army of his Maiestie of Sweden , at Northeym , betweene the Donaw , and the Lech , the 14. Ditto .

We are here in the field , the Generall Tylly hath ensconced himselfe at Rain , two leagues from vs , hee hath broken off the bridge and ( as he thinks ) sufficiently guarded and ensured the Riuer of Lech on the other side with retrenchments and radouts . Howeuer , It seemes that there is no approchment to be made without spilling a great deale of bloud . The Kings Maiestie therefore desiring to avoid this bloudshedding , endeavours to meet with him another way , and hath caused men to labour strenuously about the bridg which hee causeth to bee layd over the Lech , so that yesterday and to day they haue wrought without intermission , and so they continue : doublesse within these two dayes the same will be ready for our men to march ouer . Yesterday very earely his Maiestie went himselfe to view the enemies workes and in what posture he might be , and seeing a Tillian Souldier that was then Sentinell ; His Maiestie called to him , saying : Good morrow Monsieur , where is olde Tilly ? The Sentinell gaue answere ; Good morrow to you , Tilly is at Rain in his quarter : and further hee asked His Maiestie , saying : Comradoe where is the King ? The King made againe answere : Hee is now in his Quarter , what doe you else desire to know of him ? The Sentinell answered againe : Doth the King giue quarter ? The King replyed : Yes , I assure you ; come but ouer to vs , You shal haue good quarter . Thus the King hauing past about and viewed all he did desire , he came backe againe to his quarter , where he made relation of his entertaining of this Sentinell vnto divers Princes and Gentlemen . God be blessed that by his assistance wee haue obtained vnto our power and possession the whole Bishopricke of Augsburghs on this side of the aforementioned river , all the command of the Donaw , from Vlm downward euen vnto Donaweerdt for the space and length of 12. Leagues . Beside the cheife Cities and passages . As namely among others these famous and strong Cities . The strong City and Castle Ginsburgh , Lawingen , Hoogstadt , Dillingen , Grundelingen , Windelingen , Elchingh , Kirbergh , Oberendorf , and many places more of good hold and moment . In all which places we found for our turne abundance of very excellent good prouision and all things befitting our occasions , especially , wee found there great store of corne and good graines . But wee found very small quantitie of wine , it seemes they cherished their fainting hearts themselues withall before their dolefull departure .

Wee doe daily obtaine great store of good bootie , but we cannot sell them , for they will yeeld vs but little money or none at all , a good faire Horse may be bought for foure Rix-dollers , and an Oxe for three Gilders or two Rix-dollers , a Cow for own florince , and a Hogge for a very small vallue , Poulterie , and Geese and the like bare no price , bedding , linnen , cloth , copper-worke , and pewter is of no estimation at all neither any manner of houshold-stuff . Mony is that which is here lookt after . And in the Palatinate they are in the very same case . From Vlm and Lawingen and Hoogstadt bread and victualls are brought into our Armie in very great abundance ouer the riuer of Donaw , and all things are God be thanked very cheap . And If wee will complaine , it must bee of plentie otherwise there is no cause . Yesterday in the afternoone a trumpeter was brought blindfolded into his Majesties : quarter and in like manner conducted away , wee vnderstand that his message was to require free passage for the French Embassador who now is with the Duke of Bavaria to treat with his Majestie concerning very weighty matters . And it is supposed that the enemies would againe intreat for a while another cessation of Arme , which I dare presume will never bee consented vnto by his Majestie of Sweden .

From Lower Saxony the 15. Dito .

Papenheym by force of Canon hath constrained Eymbeck to come to agreement , hee is now marched to Hanouer , Hildesheym , and Goselaer . He hath already mastered divers places within the Bishoppricke of Hildesheym , but not being able to hold them , hath againe abandoned the same . Duderstadt and Gottingen are exceedingly straightned : It is supposed that Papenheym intends to fall into Saxony through the Bishoppricke of Halberstadt . Two miles from Hanoner at Paterdorp the said Generall hath defeated sixe Cornets of horse , and some troupes of foote of the Army of Lunenburgh . And taken the Lieutenant generall Worms prisoner . Most of the foote forces saued themselues in Hanouer .

Three regiments as that of Tarsch Sohefman , and Formeer are come into the Bishoppricke of Magdenburgh , through Quedelenburgh , to assist the Duke of Saxony .

From Hassia the 15. Dito .

Papenheim hath almost incorporated the whole Bishoppricke of Paderborn , and expelled from thence all our forces . But I doubt not but the case will soone bee altered , for our Landgraue is now bestirring himselfe and is comming to vntye this knot , hee hath already begun well , for hee hath taken Volckmersen , and also besieged Warburg .

From Hamburgh the 17. Dito .

Because tidings is brought that Papenheym is not aboue foure leagues from Lunenburgh , all the Swedish troupes meete together and doe intend to joyne forces . Duke Francis Charses , the 13. day of this Moneth with both his Regiments passed ouer the Elbe to the said Duke . Those troupes which are in Pomerania , Mecklenburgh , and some from Stoad will also adjoyne with him and onely leaue that Citty blocqued .

From Franckford the 19. Aprill .

Letters from Norimbergh , dated the 16. of this Moneth-certifie that the King of Sweden hath sent his field Marshall to Bambergh & Forsheym , whither the Marquis George should alsomarch to besiedge the same place .

Some Spanish forces ( as it is reported ) are passed ouer the Riuer Mosel and as letters do mention , haue taken Traerbach and Limmeren . The Rhyne-grave finding himselfe too weake retyred backe , and to strengthen himselfe lightens some forces out of Dentz and other Garrisons .

Now presently we have received tydings that the King of Sweden with his Army is passed over the River Lech , the troupes were passing over at noone the 15. of this Moneth , untill the next day in the afternoone late , they marched to Tierhaubten by the river Altha . We cannot yet certifie you whither he will passe that River or no. It is more probable that he will first march to Ausburg , and labour to get the same into his possession The Generall Tilly is broke up from Ra●i , and durst pot keepe there any longer but hath forsaken that quarter , being advertised of his Majesties comming , which quarter the Swedish have now taken . Wee shall now soone learne whither Generall Tilly will give battle to the King . It is supposed that he cannot avoyd , for the King is at the very backe of him , so that a few dayes will resolve this doubt . At Kerpen were lately mustered 8500. horse which shall suddenly march toward the River Mosel .

From Bergen op-Zoom the 19. dito .

In Sealand this last weeke was brought in a prize of 440. Chests of Sugar .

Vpon the 16. day of this Moneth of Aprill , all our soldiers were mustered , and they were caused to take a new Oath . Doubtlesse his Excellence will now ere long goe to field .

From Amsterdam the 17. dito .

His Maiesty of France causeth some troupes of horse , & some Regiments of foot to be levyed at Luyck , and there is great confluxe , so that he cannot want men . The Drumme beates also for the Emperour , but men have no heart to serve on that side .

His Maiesty is dayly expected at Versailes . The feast of the great Popish Iubilye hath beene lately celebrated in France , and his Maiesty himselfe with the Queene have both beene in Procession at Saint German . Monsieur De la Force is yet about Metz. Vpon the frontiers of Germany . Duke De Rohan is in the Grisons Countrey to ensure the passage there into Italy . The Alliance of France with the King of Sweden is very firme , and the French will neyther trust the Spanish or Imperialists . Moreover daily great forces are levyed for the French King , and many troupes sent into Picardy .

Count Iohn of Nassau . Count De Sante Lazar with 19. Companies of horse , haue convoyd the Colonell Balanzon into Breda with a Regiment of Burgunders , this is a very strong Regiment . The aforenamed 19. Companies marched from Breda to the country of Luyck , so forward to march to Mastricht , being convoyd with some countrymen , who are two or three thousand strong . Which country people seeing them much wearied were very willing to assist them , but with this condition , that they should content themselues with such reasonable provision as they should bee able to furnish them withall , of hay , Corne , Bread , Beere , Oates , Victualls , &c. This they seemed to take contentedly and for very reasonable satisfaction . The Country people dreamt of no harme , neither did they so much as entertaine any euill suspition . But these vndisciplin'd soldiers , were imagining mischiefe all this while , insomuch they did but lay in waite for a seasonable opportunitie , to execute their bloody intentions . For at the last when they saw their time , they fell vppon these poore honest harmelesse country people , and made a bloody massacre amongst them , slew at least 300. of them , and wounded many more of them . Hereupon they sent some certaine Committees to Bruxells to make complaint of this miserable and wrongfull slaughter . And being all the fault was laid vpon Count De Sanct Lazar , wee doe vnderstand that he is fled and hath betaken himselfe into a Cloister in Lovain .

The last weeke past there was sent a great summe of money from the Hage , to Dort , some suppose it to bee for the payment of the soldiers , others are of opinion that the same is to bee imployed about some other vse . But the time will decide the question .

The Count of Swarzenburgh . Embassador of the Prince Elector of Brandenburgh is departed , from the Hage , and againe returned towards Germany .

At Br●xells commissions are granted for the leuying of 60 troupes of horse for the Emperour . But the question is where they will bee had , and how they can bee spared .

His Excellence for the ensuring of the Citty Grane , hath caused two seonces to bee built there , one aboue and another below the Citty .

The Secretary of Iohn de la Gova , who was sometime Governour of the Castle of Antwerpe , was beheaded the 2. of Aprill . First , he was accused that he had two wives , thereupon he was apprehended , and afterwards his Counting house and writings being searched into , it was found out , that there was some private and Clandestine correspondency betweene the Hollanders and him , which strooke the fatall blow .

The true and perfect Relation concerning the maine passage , now expected , and lately happened betweene the King of Swedens and the Imperiall Army . Notified by a Letter written from the King of Sweden his Army , then encamped about Overendorp , neare the River Lech . Which Letter was dated the 16. of Aprill . 1632.

IT hath pleased Almighty God this second time to shew himselfe favourable towards his Church , and to worke a great worke for us . For the passage over the River of Lech could not possibly be passed over , without very great difficulty . The reason is because Generall Tilly with his whole Army lay on the other side .

This River is not very broad , but runneth very swiftly and is very hardly passed over . His Maj. of Sweden being acquainted with the same River , had discryed and taken notice of some place where the River doth circumvent and encompasse some ground , as it were in forme of an Island . His Maj. of Sweden did entrench this whole Circle , where two dayes since he caused batteries to be built & raised , & with a retrenchment drew the same to one Lyne , right before the Island his Mai. caused the Bridge to be layd , and sent some men on the other side with piles there to be fastened . Where also they raised a halfe Moone . Whereupon at severall places the Alarum was strucke up , and the troupes began to march ; but whereas yesterday , early in the morning there did rise a very foggy mist , the enemy knew not whither to betake himselfe , nor whereabouts ayme at his adversary . Being in this straite he was constrained in his iudgment , to place sixe Regiments of his forces , into the Wood neare at hand , where also he raised some batteries against us , and the whole day next ensuing , did play upon us with some reasonable earnestnesse ; in the meane time our forces slept not , but with some ready payment answered them . Insomuch that notwithstanding they tooke the Wood for their shelter , in the upshot a great many dead Corps were left behind them .

Yesterday in the Evening , our Army did perceive that Tilly drew backe and retyred all his Baggage , and he himselfe in the night fled and went his wayes with all his Troupes . This morning very early , his Mai. hastened over the bridge ( which yesterday was ready in good convenient time ) first 300. and afterward 500. horse more , which ●…ought backe suddainly many prisoners . These Prisoners ●oe certainly and confidently relate , that Tilly himselfe was shot in one of his thighes or legs , and that Altringer was shot on the head , and Merodi shot dead . The Duke of Bavaria was himselfe in person with this Army .

Another from the same place the same Dito .

When his Royall Mai. caused the bridge to be layd over the River Lech , he at the same time also caused 62. pieces of Ordnance to be planted upon severall batteries , from the which , he caused the same Ordnance to play continually . And notwithstanding the enemy did oppose himselfe with 4. great Ordnance , and discharged very freely upon us , neverthelesse we lost no more but one Carpenter and one Gunner . Our horsemen did very earnestly pursue their fugitive enemies ; insomuch , that they left behinde them aboundance of munition and other commodities . Now Bavaria must looke to it , for it is like to suffer .

From Lech-housen , halfe a League from Augsburgh , the 18. of Aprill .

This day about five of the Clocke , his Maj. of Sweden a●rived hereabouts with his whole Army , he hath already two Bridges , and one Sconce , and now the Ordnance are intentively placed against Augsburg . Those within the City , did very hotly discharge but to no purpose .

The Bavarians have already beene constrained to forsake and quite relinquish Nieuburg and Rain , where the Swedish found some pieces of Ordnance , and great store of good munition . The sayd Bavarians have also abandoned Dunckenspil and Nordlingen with great perplexity .

From Franckford the 22. of Aprill .

We have received certaine intelligence , and full and firme confirmation , by posted Messengers , speedily sent to the Queene of Sweden , that since the late passage over the Lech , the Generall and Field-Marshall Horne doth continually pursue the fugitive Generall Tilly , and that neare unto the City Aichia , above 3000. were layd dead upon the very place , and 1500. taken Prisoners . Vpon which bloudy place the Emperialists , and the Generals forces left behind them 6. great pieces of Ordnance , and great store of Munition : His Maiestie of Sweden having beleaguered or besieged A●gsburgh with 20000. and also sent 10000. to Munchen , divers Cities and places durst no longer stand out , but brought their City keyes , & delivered them up to the said Kings Majesty . Yea they came from 12. and 15. leagues off , round about , to make a treatible composition with his Majesty , being wery willing to contribute whatsoever might be reasonably imposed upon them .

Aichia , Thierhaubten , Hohnweert , Papenhoven , and divers other places , have yelded up themselves very willingly and freely to his Majesty of Sweden .

The Generall Tilly himselfe is fled to the City Saeldentall ; where he hopes to re-assemble and gather together his scattered troupes . Hereof we shall shortly have more certainty .

Through this City and divers other places , from severall parts , many forces passe toward Mentz ; where the King of Sweden his Chancellor Oxenstiern , doth assemble together 20000. men , to crosse and encounter the Spanish forces about the River Mosell .

The Field-Marshall Arnheym is now suddainly marched with his whole compleat Army , from Saxony to Bohemia : whom God speed .

From Mentz the 13. of Aprill .

I doe not doubt but you haue vnderstood the disarming of the Protestants at Augsburgh , and therefore I will not tell it you againe , but onely I will shew you what obseruations I make in particular about that businesse .

On the 2. of Aprill , by a Proclamation it was forbidden in Augsburgh , that none of the Inhabitants there should come abroad out of their houses : And it was then signified by the Magistrate vnto a principall protestant there , that Generall Ossa had order to come with his Army thither , vnlesse the vncatholike Burgers ( who easily might yeeld to long for , the King of Sweden ) would freely and willingly deliuer vp all their armes , that so a reasonable Garrison might bee assured of them . Now there was then already aboue 1800. foot and some 600. horse in garrison enquartered in the suburbs , and commanded by Count Otto Henry Fugger , which Count had giuen his word to the Magistrate in the name of the Duke of Bavaria that the garrison should not be encreased ; But his word was kept as are all other promises , made by great Officers of the Imperialists and Catholike league .

Howsoeuer the Protestants what by threatnings of the comming of Ossa , with an Army ; what by faire promises that their Garrison should not be encreased ; were enduced and forced , to deliuer vp all their armes , which were fecthed house by house , by some fortie Musquitiers accompanied with a waggon , a Clerke and an Officer that were expresly appointed for seuerall streets .

Now whilest the Protestants deliuered vp their armes with much discontentment and displeasure , and some with strange protestations and wishes to get them by some or other way back againe ; There came newes vnto the Catholick Magistrate , that there was appointed and comming from the Duke of Bauaria a new Governour for that Citty , whereby all the Papists receiued as much displeasure as the protestants had at their disarming . This gaue occasion to both parties to complaine ; and as it were to condole and joyne together . Howbeit since that time , there came dayly in more troupes , who being enquartered and lodged in the Protestants houses , made the Papists to bee bold againe and pretend to heare of great wonders that Tilly shall doe against the King of Sweden .

Especially there arriued one Colonell Breda , who hath the absolute command in the said Citty , which to satisfie more , he presently caused many men to worke in seuerall parts , which worke goes on as well as their Engineers doe order it .

And now we receiue newes , that the King hauing made a bridge ouer the Lech in spight and in the sight of the great Tillian Armie and killed an infinite number by his Canon ( which continually did play vpon the said enemies workes , camp & especially into a little wood , wherein lay many troupes , expecting to make some exploit , against some Swedes that went ouer in boates ) and enforced Tilly to dislodge without any noyse , from these parts , and to withdraw himselfe with more hast then euer did Gustavus Hoorn out of Bambergh . The King sent some of his Army towards Augsburgh , which he followed himself the next day ; whilst some other forces of his , waited on Tilly , who hauing forsaken Newburgh , is gone towards Ingolstat , And so the King ( if the letters I receiue say true ) arriued himselfe on the 18. of this Moneth neare Augsburgh , where his presence could not appeare without some present exploit : which was , that his men instantly tooke two forts and the Bridge at Lechausen withall .